The South Marshall Middle School SBDM council has selected Brian Harper as principal. Harper has worked in school administration since 2000, having most recently served as principal of Lone Oak High School.

Harper will take over the reigns of South Marshall from Kem Cothran, who was named interim principal following the arrest of Kent Barlow on rape and kidnapping charges in April. Barlow resigned from the position shortly after his arrest.

Harper holds a bachelor's degree in health education and a Master's and Rank I in administration from Murray State University.

He is a member of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators and Kentucky Education Association.

He has a proven track record of improving students' state assessment scores. During his time as principal at Lone Oak High School, students' ACT scores consistently ranked 1st and 2nd in the region and during the 2011 school year ranked 19th in the state.

"I am thankful the school based decision making council and Mr. Lovett have given me the opportunity to serve as principal of South Marshall Middle School." says Harper. "I look forward to working with the students, parents and staff as we move South Marshall Middle forward with continous improvement efforts."

Harper is married to wife, Deanna, and they have two children, Mackenzie and Weston.